An ideal debut for Isidoro! Zenit approaches first place
Dmitry Zimin September 17, 2023, 18:57 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
The reigning champions beat Rubin in Kazan without problems.
Sergei Semak, usually cautious, surprised many an hour before the match against Rubin. At the moment the starting eleven appeared. There is not only a change in the formation, because Zenit has returned to 4-3-3, but also a newcomer to the base. The coach pushed Wilson Isidore towards the left flank of the attack, although it seemed that at least for the first time he would come off the bench. But there are explanations for all these decisions: Peter lost Mario Fernández indefinitely. Hence the change in scheme and, as a consequence, the departure of the French newcomer.
We expected a lot from Rubin. Considering his powerful acquisitions at the end of the transfer window: Vada, Randjelovic, Cumic, Drezgic, they should all significantly strengthen the team. But only the former Urals player appeared in the lineup. The remaining three were in reserve.
How Rubin improved in the summer:
Six newcomers to the game with Zenit! Rubin strengthened strongly on the last day of the summer window
Zenit started well and took control of the ball, but in the first minutes the locals managed it without problems. And they even ran away to attack a couple of times. However, then a moment occurred that definitively broke Rubin’s plans for the first half. The Kazan team actively pressed until the episode when Kerzhakov received the ball. It seemed like a wise decision, given the goalkeeper’s lackluster kick. But this time not everything went as planned. Mikhail kicked the ball toward the center, where Mantuan fought for it and immediately threw it to Izidor. “Offside” disputes can be endless until offside lines appear in the RPL. And no one knows when this will happen. But in the end Wilson flew into the area and shot under Dupin’s arm.
After the goal, the script of the game did not change much. Peter was in control. Rubin really appeared on the field only halfway through the half, when the first more or less significant attacks began. First, Daku ran well under the attack, then Fameye hit the net from the outside. Overall, Joel was one of the most active in the first half and was constantly at the center of events during the Kazan attacks. Zenit were mainly on the defensive from half-time. In fact, the goal was the only chance in 45 minutes.
An ideal debut for Isidoro!
Photo: fc-zenit.ru
It seemed that in the second half Rubin could fully take the initiative. Rakhimov dispensed with substitutions, hoping that the same lineup could cope with the opponent. But he wasn’t there. Peter came out as in tune as possible and, in fact, repeated the scenario from the first part. Already in the 55th minute, Wendel shot hard from the flank towards Cassierra. He managed to adjust to the ball and kicked it with his heel past Dupin. Seventh goal in eight RPL games!
And four minutes later, Wendel brought out Claudinho to score. It did not fail.
Three goals conceded in the 60th minute completely destroyed Rubin. It is clear that there was almost no chance of recovery. Rakhimov embarked on experiments and freed almost all the newcomers. At the same time, the team attacked well and definitely scored at least one goal. Just look at the moment of Vujacic’s header, when the ball hit the post.
But Zenit held on and did not allow a single goal to be scored. Now the difference with Krasnodar is only one point. Rubin remained in the play-off zone. But with such an increase, staying there for a long time is simply unacceptable.
Game day live in RPL:
What a final in the Lokomotiv match! And Wendel drags Zenit back
